Synopsis
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined Vision IAS Rs 3 lakh for misleading advertisements about UPSC CSE 2020 results. The CCPA aims to protect consumer rights and ensure truthful advertising in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.Key Takeaways
- CCPA fined Vision IAS Rs 3 lakh.
- Misleading ads regarding UPSC CSE 2020 results.
- Top 10 candidates' names displayed without context.
- Concealed information misled consumers.
- CCPA issued multiple notices to coaching institutes.
New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has levied a fine of Rs 3 lakh on Vision IAS for disseminating misleading claims regarding the results of UPSC CSE 2020.
In a statement, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution explained that this action was taken to safeguard and enhance consumer rights and to ensure that no false or deceptive advertisements are made concerning any goods or services, in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The CCPA noted that while the coaching institute displayed the names and images of the top 10 candidates prominently, it failed to disclose crucial information about the courses. Although the course of the topper was revealed, details about the courses chosen by the other nine successful candidates were omitted.
This omission led to a misleading perception that the other nine candidates were part of the 'GS Foundation Batch Classroom Student' course, which was inaccurate, stated the CCPA, led by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare.
The CCPA also scrutinized the digital profiles and fee receipts submitted by Vision IAS, discovering that the Foundation course is the most costly at Rs 1,40,000/-, while the Abhyaas one-time prelims mock test is only Rs 750.
According to the information available, Rank 1 enrolled in the Foundation Course 2018 (Classroom/Offline), while Rank 8 was part of the Online Foundation Course 2015. Additionally, Rank 2, Rank 3, Rank 5, Rank 7, Rank 8, and Rank 10 were registered in the GS Mains Test Series, as per the CCPA.
The regulator noted, “The aforementioned students participated in the GS Mains test series, which is just one of the many components of the Mains examination, suggesting that these candidates successfully cleared the prelims and interview stages independently, without any assistance from the institution.” Furthermore, Rank 4 and Rank 9 took part in the Abhyaas test, which is a mock test for the Prelims exam, while Rank 6 enrolled in the GS Prelims Test Series.
Through this advertisement, Vision IAS created an impression that all its courses had an identical success rate, which is incorrect, highlighted the regulator.
Previously, the CCPA has undertaken actions against multiple coaching institutes for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.
To date, the CCPA has issued 46 notices to various coaching institutes concerning misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, along with imposing a total penalty of Rs 74,60000 lakh on 23 institutes, instructing them to cease misleading advertisements.
